Book Recommendation: Mr. Dickens and His Carol

Every year I read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Last year, I saw this book and added it to my “want to read” stack. It is a fictional telling of how Dickens came to write the book.

The book intertwines facts and fiction as it tells the story. Check out the Amazon.com synopsis:

A beloved, irresistible novel that reimagines the story behind Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic

Charles Dickens is not feeling the Christmas spirit. His newest book is an utter flop, the critics have turned against him, relatives near and far hound him for money. While his wife plans a lavish holiday party for their ever-expanding family and circle of friends, Dickens has visions of the poor house. But when his publishers try to blackmail him into writing a Christmas book to save them all from financial ruin, he refuses. And a serious bout of writer’s block sets in.

Frazzled and filled with self-doubt, Dickens seeks solace in his great palace of thinking, the city of London itself. On one of his long night walks, in a once-beloved square, he meets the mysterious Eleanor Lovejoy, who might be just the muse he needs. As Dickens’ deadlines close in, Eleanor propels him on a Scrooge-like journey that tests everything he believes about generosity, friendship, ambition, and love. The story he writes will change Christmas forever.

I truly enjoyed this book. I read the book, The Man Who Invented Christmas, which was more true to the real story of the story’s evolution. It was also the basis for the movie of the same name. What makes this story different is there is an element of, let’s say mystery and fantasy to it. I don’t want to give too much away.

If, by chance, you do read this, I’d love to hear what you thought. As it all came together at the end, it hit me in the “feels.” If you didn’t know it was fiction, you might actually believe that this was the way it happened.

A worthy holiday read!

4.5 out of 5 stars!